Top 5 Places to Ski in New York for Beginners

There are 18 trails available for beginners to test their skis and learn the sport.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

There is 1 magic carpet area called the Bear Den Mountain Area. It is separated from the rest of the resort for beginners and also includes 2 easy chair lifts. 

For first time skiers, the Parallel from the Start program is for beginners (ages 13+). Classes are offered in 1 & 3 day packages. The 3-day package guarantees you'll make it to the top of the mountain by the end. 

Kids ages 1 to 14 can sign up for ski camp. It incorporates lessons that are age and skill appropriate.

Private lessons can be set up for you and your family (all ages). They are designed specifically with your goals in mind. You can either book them from 1 to 3 hours.

Check out their website for the latest pricing.

With over 1,200 pairs of rentals, Whiteface offers 2 rental locations for all of your needs. Each are located at the ground level of the lodges. Rates are here.

There is no snow tube park here. However, they do offer bobsled racing on an Olympic track. Pretty intimidating if you're a beginner, but interesting nonetheless!

Whiteface Mountain does not have its own lodging on site. Each resort in the area will have it's own set of amenities.

Onsite, many activities are focused on their Olympic ties:

• Olympic jumping complex tour
• Lake Placid Olympic museum
• Bobsledding on an Olympic track
• Ice skating at Lake Placid Olympic Center​

Or, you can take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain for the view.

If you're looking for food, they offer a market with grab and go items, a waffle house, 2 cafes, a bistro, 1 pub, and 1 cafe/wine bar. They even offer a warming lodge halfway down the mountain with food and warm beverages.

It's a great mountain with so much nostalgia. The gondola ride to the top is a must see. The views are amazing. There are tons of inexpensive places to eat and shop in the village. 

They offer 5 beginner trails. Each of their trails is set up for snow making, ensuring your experience is enjoyable.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

Mount Pete offers 1 magic carpet area for beginners to learn to ski.

Mount Peter is beginner central. They are famous for offering their free beginner lessons daily (ages 5+). It is their belief that once you learn to glide down the mountain, you will be hooked. It will turn you into a lifetime skier.

If you are looking for more 1-on-1 support, they offer private lessons, an adult ski camp, and a children's ski camp.

Pete's Pals is their camp designed specifically for toddlers (ages 4 & under). It will introduce kids to winter play and skiing.

Check out their website for the latest pricing.

Mount Peter offers a convenient rental shop for your daily ski rentals. They have everything you need to get on the slopes safely. Rates are here.

Mount Peter recently added their snow tube park. It's fast, it's long, and it's a whole lot of fun! They offer a conveyor carpet to get you back to the top of the hill. They even have a designated "Little Tikes Tubing Area" for kids. 

Activities are limited as they do not offer their own lodging. However, there is plenty to choose from nearby. Each offers their own list of amenities.

Food options onsite are located inside one of their 2 lodges or at an outside grill. For adults, there is an antique pub inside to grab a drink.

If you're looking for small crowds and a great atmosphere to learn to ski, this is it! They have everything you need to learn. You can't beat the free beginner lessons!

There are 9 trails designated for beginners. They span the entire mountain so as you gain confidence, there is room to explore.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

Thunder Ridge is so dedicated to beginners they offer 4 magic carpet areas! Each is designed with slow, gentle slopes to get you started.

Thunder Ridge Snowsports School has the highest percentage of certified ski instructors in the northeast. 

Group lessons are available as Mommy/Daddy and Me (ages 3 to 5), children's groups (ages 4 to 12), and adult group lessons (13+) depending on skill and ability. 

There is a half-day program for kids ages 5 to 9.

Private lessons can be booked in 1 to 3 hour increments. They book up fast to reservations are strongly encouraged.

Check their website for the latest pricing.

They pride themselves on having a friendly, efficient rental shop. Everything you need for skiing or snowboarding is available. Pricing is available here.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area does not currently offer snow tubing.

Thunder Ridge is your basic ski mountain. There is no lodging onsite so the amenities are very limited. Onsite dining is cafeteria style or grab a drink at their slopeside pub.

It's a wonderful, family-oriented mountain. It's a great starting place for skiing. Small and no-frills, it will get you ready for the larger resorts. Know what to expect, and you will not be disappointed!

Try out 1 of 11 trails designed for beginners. There is plenty of space to move around and test your skills.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

There are 4 magic carpet areas located near the lodge. These areas are designated for beginners to hone their skills.

Windham Mountain offers terrain-based learning to make the process easier. They boast some of the best beginner programs in the country:

• Own It! Packages - 3-days of lessons that come with brand new gear on the third day of lessons (skis or snowboard).
• Beginner Lesson Program - 1-day with 2 ways to learn (groups or using their open learning environment).
• Group Lessons - 1 hour 45 minutes of instruction, first-come-first-served
• Private Lessons - Learn at your own pace
• Children's Lessons - Various half-day and full-day options based on age and skill

Current pricing is listed on their website.

The onsite rental shop has everything you need for a day on the slopes. If you plan to rent, skip the lines at the ticket counter. Buy everything in the rental shop to save time. Pricing is here.

Windham Mountain Adventure Park offers 6 lanes of snow tubing, including a new conveyor lift. Or try out the ice skating or kids snowmobiles.

When you are ready to head inside, there are additional amenities for resort guests. This includes complimentary continental breakfast and shuttle service to the mountain.

A 100-seat movie theater has multiple shows each day.

There is a fitness center onsite, including a weight room. 

In the evening, check out Rock’n Mexicana for signature margaritas, beer, or tequila tasting.

Other dining options include 10 venues ranging from a coffee shop, waffle house, deli, sushi, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Many people feel that Windham is a better version of the Poconos. The fact you can book your ski trip and not have to worry about ski conditions due to their ability to make snow is great. The mountain is prepped for all levels and is great for couples and families.

There are 17 trails designated for beginners. That's 30% of their trails.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

There are 3 magic carpet areas set aside for first-time skiers to learn. Varied terrain helps build skills and confidence.

Their beginner area is one of a kind. So are their lesson packages. They have dedicated packages for beginners who have never skied before:

• Peak Discovery Program - 3-day, first-time skier (ages 13+)
• Beginner Single Pak - Group lesson designed for first-timers (ages 13+)
• Beginner Private Lesson - Learn in private
• Children's Lessons - Half or full-day lessons (ages 4+)

Check their website for the latest pricing.

Their rental shop offers everything you need to hit the slopes. Plan for 45 minutes (midweek) to 90 minutes (weekend/holiday) for first-timers to be fitted properly.

Pricing and details here.

The snow tube park offers lanes almost 1,000 feet long and a conveyor belt to get you back to the top! When you need a break from sliding down the hill, warm up by the fire pit or grab food at the snack bar.

Guests of the resort can take advantage of additional amenities:

• Outdoor, year-round pool with radiant heat
• Mountain Club Spa
• Steam room, sauna and two outdoor hot tubs
• Fitness Center
• Video arcade

There are numerous dining options onsite as well: 8 inside the lodge, 2 on the slopes, 1 in the learning center, 1 in the snow tube park, 1 slopeside at the resort, and 4 bar areas for drinks.

There is plenty of winter fun to keep everyone happy. Good small slopes for children and plenty of green trails for those just starting out. The trails are well cared for and you can expect a good, consistent ski experience.